Month: May 2013

I didn’t realize it has been so long since I’ve last posted on here last. I guess I’ve just been busy reading my favorite sites, news, blogs and drafting pieces for future posts, that it felt like I was posting, too. I’ve been MIA from my kitchen too, which stinks, but the nicer weather keeps me out of the house in my yard or in Boston. But I am sure I’ll get to cooking again real soon!!

Weigh in!!

Idk why I am all exclamation pointing here, cause I haven’t lost or gained anything! It’s not a bummer for me, either. Cause I’m still down that 10.5 lbs, which is awesome imo. I have kept weight the whole time! I’ve noticed my body changing and conforming back to the curves I want to see. Odd that I am keeping weight, but I see and fit into my clothes differently. Idk. My only change these past weeks is I have upped my upper body weight training. I LOVE WEIGHT TRAINING. So, I feel good in my being at the moment. I’m at a place where I am literally content with my body. As I got dressed today, I looked at myself in the mirror and thought..”hey I can probably wear my old green bikini soon..with a sarong!”.. which is better than a few months ago, when I didn’t even want to step in front of a mirror naked. So, aside from the few issues I see (like my fat butt and thighs, which I’ve had my whole adult life! lol), I’ve gotta swing with this contentment.

And life goes on….

Today, we headed to our daughter’s First Grade musical performance at 9:30AM. For weeks, we’ve been hearing about this performance and getting notices home for the kids to be dressed a certain way. Wow. It was so sweet! The kids did a great job, and I am so proud of my little girl. She was all a smiles on stage, just like her mum, and didn’t forget one lyric or movement. She’s the best!
Then after their performance, the parents were able to hang out at recess. But, my kid, who I realize is Miss Independent, didn’t hang out with us much..she found it more fitting to play tag. It was real fun to watch her on her own, playing and having fun. And kicking their asses running! My God, she didn’t stop for a second!! She is such a great kid. It made me feel real good to see her like that. Right after recess, they had a little Celebration of Writing for the kids back in their homeroom. We shared a great snack together. Then the kids showed us all their creative writing throughout the year for an hour. What a big difference in my daughter from September to today! I couldn’t be prouder. And I got reminded, through her journal, of all the wonderful memories this year, too.

And I got to see her desk. Which was affirmation that she takes after me more than my husband ..it was NEAT!

Tonight is date night with a twist. We’ll be hitting up the sushi and a movie at home, but not before I get out for a little girl time. Which will be fun! I’ll be picking up my sister to head over to my friend’s first jewelry trunk show! I hope she does real well, cause she is talented and worked real hard for tonight. She has an Etsy shop, which you should check out for sure- ArtHausStudios. I’ve mentioned her before. She is a great local artist, and her jewelry is real unique.

Then tomorrow. OMG how I’ve waited for tomorrow. We got invited to an all day get together to watch Arrested Development off Netflix. The party was originally set for May 26th, the release date of the Netflix shows, but had to move to tomorrow. Which means, I haven’t watched a single new episode, and have been steering clear of all media about them. I’m going batty! I absolutely love love love love (love) Arrested Development, and like most of us that love the show, have been waiting WAY too long for their wrap up. Still a show I quote often! Too Good! So, I am really looking forward to tomorrow needless to say!!

Ok ok, I gotta jet! It’s almost parent pick up, and I can’t wait to hear about the rest of my little girls’ day at school.

The first season just ended last night, and I am already having withdrawals. Highly recommend this show if you haven’t already become a huge fan!

Mr. Selfridge is the new drama series through PBS/Masterpiece. The show depicts the extravagant and trying real life of an American man, Harry Gordon Selfridge, played by Jeremy Pivens. Harry is the man who changed the shopping landscape of Chicago’s Marshall Field’s in the early 1900’s. Which changed America’s way to shop. With his new found success, he packed up his knowledge, life, wife and family to bring that very same concept of a modern shopping experience to the ‘dead end’ part of Oxford Street, London, England, through his own department store, Selfridge&Co.. Quickly, we are introduced to the inner workings of his finances during the grand store’s construction, and how his personality plays a major part in his success to get financiers. Harry is, indeed, an interesting business man, and quite forward thinking! He gets the deluxe, multi floor department store built on the dime of a social lite, Lady Mae. Immediately, the store is a huge hit. People from all over visiting the store to seek out the top shelf goods.

Selfridge&Co. was the first store to promote attractions alongside a shopping experience, as Harry did with the French aviator,Louis Bierot, and then Ernest Shakleton, and they were the first to sell women’s beauty/cosmetics at the entrance, displayed for everyone to see. Which was quite controversial for the early 1900’s. The store was somewhat a spectacle, but for the wealthiest or upper class. But Harry was no fool, as he implemented the first mid-season sales, and received acclaim for doing so. So much great press surrounded the store, that the King himself requested an after hours shopping spree.

Harry comes across as an upbeat, almost superficial, man who speaks eloquently about the people in his life and at his sore, but yet crass for the Brits…just like an American. He quickly opens up to us as a complicated character, as we see he has an internal struggle. He has a loving family, wonderful wife, the store is moving ahead fantastically, but yet he isn’t satisfied enough. He has eyes for the local singing artiste, and takes her on as a full time mistress and has her work as the ‘spirit’ of Selfridges. We see him buying her furs, jewelry, and even a swank apartment. Then soon after, we learn of his sad childhood, with respect to his father, and the imperfections that plague him from it. Harry’s affair is short lived, but not without his wife acquiring first hand knowledge from the mistress herself. But, little Mrs. Selfridge is not so innocent, either, as she has been swept off her feet by a handsome, 6’5″, talented painter. Though her affair never goes beyond a kiss, or it seems, she has fallen for the young man. But Harry tries to mend his marriage, but he fumbles with his fickle heart.

All this is going on as we meet and learn of the gracious staff of the department store on such intimate levels. Each staff member is highlighted with their talents, and we learn so much about them. Like, Agnes Towler, the pretty woman Mr. Selfridge hand picked; who was having rough times at home…where Mr. Selfridge himself helped her out of. Mr. Henri Leclair, the gorgeous Frenchman, who has been Mr. Selfridges’s longtime friend and displays manager, creating magical window fronts. Mr. Crab, the finance manager who is uptight, yet down to Earth. Mr. Grove, the seemingly normal department manager. And countless others. The cordiality of these people is profound, and not like anything you’d come across today.

The show is amazing. So well written, and certainly portrays the 1900’s in a way that is relatable. The finale, like I mentioned, was last night. The show doesn’t come back till 2014. Ugh, that is too far! But, in the meantime Madmen is on, catching Sunday’s episode soon. Then Breaking Bad will be back…Downton Abby after that is over…uhm, I believe Dexter is back soon, right? And then, The Walking Dead to follow.

Finally, it is Friday! So cliché, but TGIF!! This week has been one of the strangest I have had in a long time. But, now it is over…so, let me get to my weigh in!

I am down 2 lbs! Yesssssss!! Soooo happy! Finally, broke the curse! Is it queer that I am this excited to report a two lb loss?? But I totally am!! Woke up this AM feeling happy, and great; so, I immediately weighed myself, and since, I have been on cloud nine. Now my total seems better, 10.5lbs total loss, which most of this time was spent just watching my diet than exercising. But, now that life is going to be less hectic, starting next week, it will become a priority again. I need to drop more weight!

I miss going to the gym sometimes, but can shift gears too quickly to not go. Honestly, I think I’m the type of person who needs literal pushing to go to the gym. I don’t know, maybe I need to hire a giant, bouncer type man to pick me up and throw me through the doors of the gym type of motivation? I can actually see that. And that it would work. Until I learned to dodge him. Oye.

I am still striving for these next five pounds to be off though soon. Let’s go lucky 15!!

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Tonight, the big man comes home from his Philadelphia trip. It felt like he has been away for weeks, but it has only been days! I am so looking forward to him home, and for date night. I need a nice night chilling out with him…eating sushi…and catching up on The Office finale! Hah.

Tomorrow is the girls’ big dance recital. I am so looking forward to their recital! Getting them all dolled up (hair and makeup) is such a joy for me. They turn into little dolls, and it is hilarious to see them acting all mature with lipstick. Cracks me up completely. Then after their big dance, we are whisking the family members attending to dinner. That should be fun. Then Sunday, our good friend’s daughter will be celebrating her communion…so we have a full weekend, once again. ;). No complaints, cause I love being out with my family and friends.

Oh, I almost forgot… Snagged the new Vampire Weekend album Monday, Vampires of the Modern City. If you did not know, I am a super fan. Not a day goes by that I am not listening or singing their music. So, if you haven’t yet..go get the new album! So far, I am real happy with it. Been listening to it for a few days, and some songs are sticking already. Sounds as though they are back to their title track roots.

Which brings me to The Airborne Toxic Event’s latest album, Such Hot Blood, I got last week. Real good, and I got to see them perform a few of the newer songs last Friday. I am a huge fan of theirs, and still love their former music more than this album. All at Once and All I Ever Wanted, live at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, must haves. But I am still giving this new album a go. It is just their former stuff is perfection. If you are unfamiliar with them, go youtube their Walt Disney concert hall videos. They’re a great band to see live.

And now I am thinking about my next show. So psyched for August…going to see Beck! Haven’t seen him since 1997 or 1998!! He doesn’t tour much, and his show sold out in no time. Real excited to see him! Ok ok, I gotta run or else, I babble for hours.

I weighed in this morning before work, and I am pleased. Even if it’s not a big loss. I am down a half pound. I’m taking this as a great win after the weekend I’ve had!

What a great weekend I had! Started on Friday night. My husband surprised me with my Mother’s Day gift on the early a week ago. He got the tickets I hinted to for The Airborne Toxic Event at The House of Blues..which was for this past Friday night. I was so psyched, shocked… and psyched. I love TATE, and was hoping he got my hints.

Before the show, we went to eat at the Eastern Standard Kitchen on a whim; my favorite Kenmore restaurant. They make the most amazing drinks; vintage drinks are their speciality. One drink I like, more than any other on the planet, is an Old Cuban from there. It is an amazing drink. Minty. Rummy. Sparkly ..just the all around goodness you dream of. We treated ourselves to a round or four, and had a fantastic dinner. Ate and drank with reckless abandon. Then we walked over to Lansdowne to La Verdad for some sangria, beers and more silliness. First time there, and it was, uhm, interesting. Decor was sorta blech and dark; the bartender was strange; and the sangria wasn’t all that great. But! I was already happy off the Old Cubans, sat and drank it anyway. There was an awesome fight in the lady’s room though, so there was that.

Out on Lansdowne before hitting La Verdad.

Going to a rock show stuffed and happy on rum…is highly recommended. Seriously, a good time. This was my first time seeing The Airborne Toxic Event live. I had a blast; they sounded amazing, and put on a great show. Their talent is incredible. Literally, danced and sang the entire time. And then some on the walk to the car, too. I will definitely try to catch them when they come back to Boston again! Best memory, though it is sort of the worst, was when we got to the car after the show, and the battery was dead. Dead. Someone, ahem, my husband, left the lights on and it drained the battery. Thankfully, and luckily, a couple was parked in front of us that also were at the show. They happened to be walking to their car when we realized the car was dead. They helped jump the car and I am grateful to them. It must have been weird for them to get asked though. Cause there I was, sitting in the dark of the front seat of the car with the door open. I’m all melted and ‘fright night’ looking from being at a concert. My 6’3″ husband is in the back trying to get the jumper cables out of the trunk from the back seats; cause as we found out quickly the trunk doesn’t open without the battery for some reason. It looked like we were waiting to scam someone. So, I am serious when I say I was grateful to them for helping, cause I am not so sure I’d of stopped if it were vice versa! ha!

A note of advice: Always carry jumper cables in your vehicle. And learn to jump a damn car. We both carry a set in our cars, and my husband taught me how to jump a battery when we got married..but the man who helped us..well, we taught him how to do it. hah. Funny memory after a greaat night.

Saturday was a fun day. The girls and I hung out in bed for most of the morning. Just chilling, watching TV and my favorite thing.. zerbiting. I love hearing them laugh, especially my youngest daughter. She is such a little cherub, and her laugh is intoxicating. I crack up laughing like a kid. Then, late afternoon, they had stage dress rehearsals for their big dance recital next Saturday. Unfortunately, the timing for my youngest daughter to be on stage was wrong, and she missed the opportunity. Luckily, she wasn’t terribly upset, and she was happy to watch her sister on stage …while running and jumping around the auditorium with her other ballerina friends, of course. Oh, to be a five-year old without a care in the world.

My oldest waiting for rehearsals.

Watching my oldest daughter on stage always makes me teary eyed though. I think how much she is growing into a little lady. When she first started dance, she was only 3 years old. To see her growing with confidence each year with dance, and to see her knowledge of dance, gives me a slight sadness and happiness mixed into one feeling. It’s tough to see how much she is really growing. Too fast! Right after their rehearsals, we met up with my husband for a dinner out. We let the girls decide where to go, cause the one place we wanted to eat was jammed with a two-hour wait. Which brings me to Saugus again this weekend. OYE! My girls are infatuated with the Kowloon on Rte 1. I am not sure if it’s cause they actually like their Chinese food, or, if they like the kitsch of the place, or, people watching, or throwing money into the fountains. Or to irk me. But they have kick ass scorpion bowls, that I can’t ever, and won’t ever, say no to. So, no complaints here!

Sunday was finally Mother’s Day! YEA!! I had a real great day. Relaxing and fun. My children and husband made the whole weekend a lot of fun. I felt so loved and appreciated by the time Sunday came around. (And I can not thank you guys enough. I love you!)

I love how excited my girls are for this day every year. We did a countdown all month. I remember being like this as a child with my own Mother, too. Makes me smile so much to live through them every day. They are such an extension of everything wonderful in my life and this world.

And. They let me sleep in till 9AM..yerz, which is awesome and I’ll take that any time.

They woke me up with so many handmade cards, lots of smiles and hugs of joy, and just all around wonderful cheer. It felt so great. My oldest daughter was so proud of her presents. And for good reason, too. They were amazing. She made special wrapping paper , which she drew my face on. Then she wrapped a small bottle of perfume by herself with it. She made a great card, with the most sentimental and heartfelt words. Then she gave me a paper where she created three different puzzles, that I had to fill in at that second. I was so impressed with her puzzle skills. Then a fun drawing she made at school. So awesome.

All the wonderful gifts from my big girl.

My youngest daughter gave me a peanut butter cup the size of a dinner plate, which she kept asking to eat some of. hah NNNooo. She was so excited to show me the soap she made for me at school, too, and all the cards and special messages. She is following in her big sister’s shoes in the creativity department. Then my husband surprised me with a handmade card of his own, which is where the girls get it from, and then i got a gift box with my perfume and body lotion, then a gorgeous arrangement of flowers and a specially delivered latte. 🙂 It was a great morning!

My youngest’s gifts to me.The front of the card from my husband. He always makes me the most special cards. Love them.

After all the gifts, it was time to get going to one of my favorite restaurants, The Gaslight Brassiere du Coin in the South End. If I could live next to this restaurant feeding off the fumes, I certainly would. I’d be a thousand pounds, after eating three meals a day every day, but I wouldn’t care. I’d be fat and happy…and prob die of heart disease at a young age. I never was a French food eating type of person before going to this restaurant a few years ago..now I am a fiend. Can’t get enough. My girls either. Saturday night, their first choice was the Gaslight, not the Kowloon!! The brunch menu at the Gaslight is always great. Also, they make amazing drinks. My favorite being the Madame Lillet.

Right after a fun, delicious and lovely family brunch, we headed to my in-laws to wish her a happy day. Then after about an hour there, we headed to my older sisters’ house down the street to spend the rest of the day with her family and my parents. We chilled out on her sunny patio enjoying sangria, mimosas, and, conversation. The kids played and had a great time. We exchanged gifts. I got so many wonderful things from my Mom and sister; and I appreciate everything. It was a wonderful afternoon spent together, and my children were in heaven at their Zia’s house. My youngest daughter is obsessed with my sister and niece/nephew, that all she seeks to do is go over to play, even when they’re not home. We got home at 8:30PM, put the girls to bed then chilled out catching up on emails and some TV. I didn’t catch Mad Men last night, which is why I’ve been avoiding FB, and since tonight’s after work plans are not happening, we definitely are going to catch it. Actually..right now!! Looking forward to it, too!

So, now that you have read about my weekend of eating and drinking, isn’t a half lb loss a big win!?

Yes. It is. ;)~

The girls and I…At the GaslightSitting pretty in their dresses. How cute are these two!?Late in the afternoon, my Sister (8 months preg), my Mom and me.

Ok, let me warn you guys that I haven’t caught this last episode of Mad Men from Sunday night. By the time we settled in from our busy day partying around, we sat there exhausted and decided to watch Mr. Selfridge instead. If you haven’t started watching Mr. Selfridge, start to. I highly, HIGHLY, recommend it. Ok, ok, let me get to what my title means.

You know, Heinz, ketchup, baked beans and other condiments? When I saw the logo, I honestly started to chuckle. I had to delve into the article cause with them highly featured in Mad Men I feel vested to know more about HJ Heinz Company. I am being serious! Plus, I am a ketchup-a-holic..and only eat theirs. SOOOOOooo, I want to know what is going on with my most iconic food brand.

As it comes down to it, the HJ Heinz Company was sold to Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, namely to Warren Buffett, for $28 billion. (My Lord, billions!) According to our article, Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, along with the assistance of Bank of America, was part of the largest merger and acquisition in the food arena. Wow, right? That is pretty huge for my company and theirs. Further the article states that they will maintain Heinz’s values / heritage, including keeping Pittsburgh as their headquarters globally. How much will Heinz change though? I mean, what’s going to happen to my ketchup!?

Time will only tell, as they solidify this merger and acquisition this summer. I’m keeping my eyes open on this one.